Aquaclear filtration question

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Hi everyone,
I currently have an Aquaclear 110 on my 55 gallon tank. I keep reading that the carbon is not necessary in the ...

Hi everyone,
I currently have an Aquaclear 110 on my 55 gallon tank. I keep reading that the carbon is not necessary in the "chemical" section of the filter unless you're remonivg medication. My water is crystal clear and my ammonia level is 0. I think at this point the carbon would be a waste of money and I don't need the ammonia insert because I don't have a problem with high ammonia levels. Do you have any suggestions on what I should put in the mechanical section or should I just keep the carbon?

Just the foam piece to filter out large debris and the Ceramic ring bags are all that is really needed on an established tank. The Bacteria colonizes the foam and all the pores on the ceramic. All that is needed is a rinse ever now an then to remove the larger bits to keep flow up.

The Charcoal helps to filter and clarify the water but it becomes deactivated after a bit of use. It then grows bacteria as well which helps. So it ban be left in just to provide more surface area for your biological filtration or removed.

Things I've learned and things I've read. There are some very knowledgeable people here that may be of more use.

Agree with Muni. The sponge and Bio-Max are all you need. If you want to double up on the Bio-Max, that would work fine.
These sections never need replaced, unless falling apart. Clean them off when dirty, in tank water removed on water change days. Never rinse them with tap water, chlorinated water will kill the needed bacteria.

I know a lot of people (including myself) who opt for something that polishes the water. I cram fitler wool in there, but today I decided to experiment with putting a square of polishing pad (made for the fluval plus series) in there instead. I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks guys. I'm not sure what filter wool is but I'm sure my LFS carries it. I thought about putting in extra bio-max just for the heck of it to keep something in place of the carbon, so I might go with that. I am aware that the foam never really needs replacing and I rinse it out well in aquarium water during water changes every 5 weeks or so. I wasn't aware of that with the bio-max though, but haven't replaced it yet anyway. I'm liking this filter more and more. It requires maintenance (which is a given) but no real expenses after the initial purchase I like it!

I think kelly is talking about polyester batting. You don't have to buy it from the fish store. Its cheaper at Walmart, used for stuffing pillows or blankets. Just be sure to by the cheaper stuff, that is not flame resistant. (no chemicals added) It does work great for trapping dirt.

Hey Lisa! I hope you come to like the filter more and more. I have an aquaclear as well - although smaller - and I have to say it is an easy piece of equipment to maintian and clean. I try to be careful with it though because I have read that they are somewhat cheaply made and crack easily... no problems with mine yet but I thought I'd pass that on to you.

Thanks Hawkian. I've been using the Aquaclear since September and I love it. I've used the Emperor 400 before, and the Aquaclear is WAAAAAY more quiet. I haven't changed the center media yet, but i think I'll just go with Twistermom's idea and just double up on the biomax.